Wittmann Battenfeld introduces in-mold internal welding

May 22, 2013

Wittmann Battenfeld GmbH of Kottingbrunn, Austria, has developed a new process called IMIW for insert-molding parts with a gas- and water-proof protective layer, of special interest to radio frequency identification (RFID) technology.

IMIW stands for in-mold internal welding.

All RFID components must be protected from mechanical damage, moisture, heat and other conditions. So they are embedded to protect the sensitive electronic components.

According to Wittmann Battenfeld, there are a number of different methods to connect two halves of a housing, or two half shells, such as bonding, welding, clamping or boiling. The IMIW process makes it possible to establish the connect ion directly between the contact surfaces with the same plastic material from the inside.

Molded parts come out without any ridges of welding beads, so you don’t need downstream finishing, according to Wittmann Battenfeld. The very robust joint is made in the same production process as the connection.

Wittmann Battenfeld demonstrated IMIW for the first time on an EcoPower 110 press during the machinery maker’s Competence Days in Kottingbrunn April 24 and 25. The technology, developed b y Barkley Plastics in the United Kingdon, is sold exclusively by Wittmann Battenfekld.